To wonder why men work in gynecology?

[CustardC]

Genuine question, my sisters and I were discussing our most recent smear tests and sister 1 commented on how her nurse was male. I've always asked for a female when I book a smear or any type of gyne issues and it's always been respected, but it got me thinking...if there are any men here who work in that field, why?

I'm fully prepared for the backlash that ill probably get but honest question👍

How about your son do literally any other kind of medicine that won't traumatize vulnerable women because he finds it interesting?

Surgical specialities tend to be popular with men. Patients are generally younger and many are not 'sick' in the traditional sense. Good opportunity for private practice. Interesting intellectually and practically if you want a hands on job.

So all the it's just a question, nothing to suggest anything wrong with men wanting to do it, but they don't know what it's like to have these problems, was just rubbish then. It was all about a man touching, or even just looking, at a woman's genitals. That's what I thought.

I had a male fertility doctor and a male midwife. It never occurred to me that this could be an issue, they were just people to me and I’m sure I was just a body to them. I imagine both jobs are incredibly rewarding. They were both fantastic at what they did, so no complaints from me.

I'm willing to bet her hands aren't as big as this fucking brute's were, however.

Honestly - the capacity of some women to try to minimise the trauma suffered by women at the hands of men never fails to astonish me.

How about you stop and think about what you're saying.

I’ve been treated by 4, 3 male and one female, all equally kind and caring. Mr. S who helped me through two miscarriages and secondary infertility; Dr YG with my first pregnancy. Last year I was petrified to have to see a gynae oncologist who not only resolved what turned out to be a minor issue almost on the spot but also gave me some advice that saved another appointment for menopause advice. For them I presume it is an interesting speciality where they feel they really make a difference. The one female consultant was lovely too. I wish my GP was half as empathic.

and I didn't get bad cramps till my late 30s - at school, I'd assumed girls who took time off for period pains were just exaggerating to have a skive.

Same here.

You don't know that the person you're replying to doesn't do a lot to preserve and support patient dignity and choice.

But in response to your comment that women have a right to male doctors? Wrong, unless you mean you have a right to WANT a female doctor (in which case sure, I can want whatever I want, doesn't mean I'll get it, some patients don't want a doctor that isn't white, doesn't mean they are provided for).

There is no statutory requirement for the NHS to provide a clinician of the same sex in any healthcare setting. You have the right to request a clinician of a specific sex, but you don't have the right to receive one. Imagine how that would work for a second.

I do wonder that but like others say there are differing reasons.

I did have a trainee male midwife and felt uncomfortable about that. I think though that was more unexpected as you get a lot more male doctors than nurses.

I went to a male OB/GYN for 20 years. I was very sad when he retired. My new OB/GYN is also a man. They're both excellent. I've seen female OB/GYNs, but I prefer the men I have chosen to provide my care.

My OBGYN is male, his wife is his receptionist. I trust him with my life, he got me safely through 2 pregnancies and 2 deliveries. He also saved DS2s life when he was threatening to come at 30 weeks.

I have no problem whatsoever with male gynecologists, but accept that if I'd suffered any kind of sexual trauma, I would prefer a female.

It certainly doesn't make me feel uncomfortable having him see my genitalia. As long as he has a sound care and delivery record that's all I care about.

The the capacity of some women to try to ignore any different viewpoint or scenario which differs from theirs never fails to astonish me.

A close male family member dedicated their entire professional career to helping women with gynaecological cancers and was the leading practitioner in their field. They see the body as a machine and few set out knowing 100% which specialism to pick when then start medical training.
Relative was always happy to refer the patient on to a female colleague if needed for different procedures but were always a bit disappointed in private for them when they missed out on some of the best male specialist in the world due to not wanting them simply for being male.

Let’s be grateful people are good at different things and find different types of science fascinating. Only then can medicine truely progress.

It's that they are there to care for a woman, when a significant amount of women will hate that the person is male. Will actually feel like they're being assaulted or will avoid medical appointments if he is the only option. So why do that? Even if you're not a creep, and I'm certain most aren't. Why choose to do that?

Women aren't machines though. They are human with feelings and a significant amount of them have trauma that goes along with that.

I've had the best and worst of gynaecologists. The best was a greyhaired man; patient, kind, caring, good listener, clear explanations, open to my request for different treatment (and arranged it for me) with a 30+ female making her name and career in state of the art Gynae surgery.

Arrogant little bitch, her patient manners were none existent. Her bedside manner matched the worst MCP gynaecologist I ever encountered.

But I  can't fault the life-changing  excellence of the bitch's/bastard's surgery.

Haven't RTFT but had a good friend at uni (male) who was training to to be an OBGYN.

He was gay so no sexual interest in his patients (!) he just wanted to pursue a field of medicine where there would be little life-threatening illness and was upbeat about the new babies, new life part.

I've got no problem with male HCPs working in women's health, as long as they are respectful and caring - which is also what I'd hope from from female HCPs.

So is her daughter not allowed to to it because it’s interesting? Is that reason only valid if you are female?

Well, from a nursing point of view, gynae is easier than working in an acute medicine speciality. Some areas just suit your needs better. You find a lot of male nurses don't hang around in direct nursing for long. They become charge nurses or move into more management/lead roles fast.

I knew an OB who even back in the early 2000s was big on pushing voluntary caesarians. He used to schedule them around his golfing weeks. No joke. Everyone thought he was lovely, and he was, but he wasn't an OB because he cared about women and babies. It was just a nice pathway to get him the lifestyle he wanted.

I really am appalled to read the responses to @ShineyCrab that don’t acknowledge or clearly even empathise with her posts and why she’s written them. You don’t have to agree but ffs can you not just acknowledge or consider for a fucking moment that one quarter of women and girls have been sexually assaulted in this country and that being examined by a male will feel like they’re being sexually assaulted again and that that is more important than a males right to do a speciality they enjoy? I mean this thread has turned into a thread about the sexism of wanting someone who is female to examine you, that’s the dominant position here, and the feelings of victims of sexual assault has barely fucking featured! Those responding to it and now not even fucking acknowledging or sympathising in any way?? Wtf is wrong here.

Im so sorry for what you’ve experienced @ShineyCrab and #metoo although somewhat minor it has still stayed with me and I cannot be examined by a male. I agree with you 100%

I've asked one once, he said that it was one of the few branches of medicine where you get to do everything you want: research, diagnosing, treating and surgery.

He had/has a point.

Same here. I also have no idea about all the stuff I hear about menopause because I didn't have any of it so I'd have no more relevant experience than a man.

Maybe I should be a midwife or obstetrician as I've had an induction, a high tech delivery, a home birth, an EMCS, a forceps delivery. Actually I wouldn't have a clue because I've never seen the business end of any of it so I think it would be better to have a male obstetrician.

You think that's bad? During labour I refused an internal examination by a female doctor wearing huge false talon nails. Behind her , the midwife was rolling her eyes and mouthing "thankyou".

A man with a job! Whatever next?